Finding Meaning In A Burning World
What does it all mean, anyway?
In recent months, I’ve been in deep reflection regarding the meaning of life, and I have come to a significant realization: the act of truly living is where I find meaning. For a long time, I was in a cycle of introspection, confined within the walls of my own mind. I found myself questioning the purpose of existence, feeling as though everything around me was meaningless.
However, something changed within me. I made it a goal to break free from this self-imposed isolation. Is life really meaningless, or do I need a change of scenery?
I began to step outside my comfort zone, hitting the town and exploring scenery I once took for granted. This journey of exploration has led me to attend events, concerts, and art exhibitions what I only kept in my mind.
Initially, I felt out of place. I was a hermit going through the motions. Yet, as I immersed myself in these experiences, I discovered a renewed sense of understanding about life. I realized that I had forgotten the invigorating energy of being among others, of participating in something larger than my own struggles.
Nature, too, has played a role in my quest for meaning. Although I had been a city boy for years, I found calmness in the natural world. Standing underneath a sycamore tree or witnessing the sunset on the horizon made it known that the best artwork has always been. In those moments, I felt part of a vast and beautiful system that has existed for thousands of years.
Despite this new appreciation for life, I still have moments of wonder if this means anything. Some days I wake up and look at this bleak future and get back in the mental rut. Rather than doing that, I confront these feelings by actively seeking out experiences that enrich my life. I have come to understand that the meaning of life may not be what others want us to be, but like a video game, we get to forge our path to be whatever we want to be.
This realization has shifted my perspective.
Most days, meaning is found in the simple pleasures of life, such as cooking dinner while listening to Latin jazz or watching old movies while eating sushi. Other days, it manifests as a challenge to myself, a desire to explore my limits and discover what I am capable of achieving.
These moments come and go, and so does my feelings of meaning. In that, I have learned to harness them as motivation for exploration and growth. This journey is undoubtedly messy and complicated, often confusing. Yet, it is also filled with beauty, excitement, and fascination.
I find myself increasingly appreciative of life. I thank God for waking me up each day. Right now I may have these feelings, but maybe the future is different. At the moment, I’m not thinking of tomorrow, nor am I thinking of yesterday.
I’m just here making the best of what’s in front of me. Today has enough troubles.
